It was a day of celebration for Luke Bryan and his Mum Christine as representatives of the Steve Prescott Foundation and the Rugby League Benevolent Fund attended the formal opening of Luke’s new home in Haydock.

Thanks to a £80,000 donation from the Steve Prescott Foundation (SPF) through the Rugby League Benevolent Fund Luke has now moved into a specially adapted home in Haydock. The Rugby League Benevolent Fund, one of the charities supported by the SPF, helps players who have been affected by serious injury.

Luke says his new home will give him the independence he craves and a new lease of life.  The former rugby league player was paralysed from the neck down following a devastating injury in 1996 while playing for Haydock under 18s.

SPF ambassadors and Rugby League legends Lee Briers, Gary Connolly, Steve Hampson and Adrian Morley came along to show their support for Luke.

SPF Trustees Linzi Prescott and Mike Denning also attended the event along with Tim Adams Chairman of Rugby League Cares and RFL Benevolent Fund Manager Steve Ball.

The day was the culmination of many years hard work in a project facilitated by the RFL Benevolent Fund with architect Bill Anderson working with Luke to design the specially adapted home. Builder Steve Sedgewick of Oakland Developments ensured the construction of the customised property which includes a large kitchen, lounge, office, bedroom and wet room. There is also a separate room for Luke’s carers.

Luke says “I want to thank all associated with the RL Benevolent Fund and the Steve Prescott Foundation for making this happen, Steve was a good friend of mine and he promised that he would do everything he could to give me the opportunity to look out of a window instead of at four walls”

“This means everything to me. I can now look out onto the garden and see my two dogs playing.”

RFL Benevolent Fund Manager Steve Ball said.

 ‘We are delighted that Luke has got a chance to live independently in his own home. Steve Prescott understood the importance of the RL Benevolent fund and the support it can give to players who are seriously injured playing the sport they love. The support of the SPF realises an aspiration dream for Luke to be comfortable in his own home.’

‘Steve will be smiling down on Luke now as he sees the dream become a reality.’

Luke requires 24/7 care from a team of carers who support him and ensure his safety and well being. Luke requires a portable ventilator to enable him to breathe and a special mattress on his bed to ensure a good night’s sleep. The carers also assist with his daily physio and stretches to ensure his limbs are mobilised.

Mum Christine said, ‘It’s really amazing to have so many people looking out for Luke. The Rugby League family have always been there and supported us in other ways. This home will make a dramatic difference to Luke’s life.’

Mike Denning Chairman of the SPF said Steve was determined to help after visiting Luke at home. 

 “Steve will be looking down and will be overjoyed that we have been able to support the Benevolent Fund and finally get Luke into a home that will have everything he needs to lead as relatively normal life as possible.’

 “We are continuing Steve’s legacy and making a difference to so many people’s lives, not only with Luke Bryan but also with the great work that is being carried out by The Christie and SPF Special Causes fund.”

It is so important that people continue to support The Steve Prescott Foundation as we now enter the 10 year anniversary of the inception of the SPF.’

Luke, 36, currently lives in the extension of the family home on Clipsley Lane with mum Christine.  He explained: “This will mean everything to me. I will also be able to look out on to a garden instead of a concrete base. I will be able to look out of the window and see my dogs playing.  I moved into this house when I was 11 and had my accident at 17. This new place will be my home I will have my own kitchen and living room. I will have a bedroom and even office space. Everything here is in one room.  I’ll be able to have my friends round. The carers will also be able to have their own room.

“This won’t be just a room, it will be a home. This will have environmental control and an intercom system. It will give me independence because I will be able to do things myself, things everybody else takes for granted.”

Luke said the move to the new house, which he hopes will be completed by early summer, will also enable him to study: “I will feel more alive and it will be a fresh start.”

The path to Luke’s new home grew from his friendship with Steve Prescott.

“I want to thank all associated with the RL Benevolent Fund and the Steve Prescott Foundation for making this happen, Steve was a good friend of mine and he promised that he would do everything he could to give me the opportunity to look out of a window instead of four walls”

Martin Blondel from the SPF said Steve was determined to help after visiting Luke at home.  Martin said: “Steve will be looking down and will be overjoyed that we have been able to support the Benevolent Fund and finally get Luke in to a home that will have everything he needs to lead as relatively normal life as possible.

It is so important that people continue to support The Steve Prescott Foundation in our Million Pound year and beyond.

“We are continuing Steve’s legacy and making a difference to so many people’s lives, not only with Luke Bryan but also with the great work that is being carried out by The Christie and SPF Special Causes fund.”